Gene, If you're looking for real data, the problem with questions 1 and 2 is that . . . it depends.
It seems like I've seen published numbers but I don't have them to hand. The problem is that it depends on gross weight, which engine, which prop and propeller pitch. For example, I've talked to idiots who were flying way over gross who "humorously" told me they couldn't get over 3500' after takeoff till they burned off fuel. Idiots! And those were guys who got off the ground rather than plowing into the airport fence at near flying speed. At about 1320 pounds gross weight, with a C-85 and a 7146 pitch climb prop, the only time I couldn't get to 12,500' was in turbulence over the desert when, at my 11,500' absolute ceiling, the density altitude was 14,500'. So, for my Coupe with that engine prop and load, in still air on a standard day, my absolute ceiling was in excess of 14,500' I could (otherwise) always get to 12,500'. I don't know if I had 100 fpm climb rate at that altitude or not. It took an hour or so to get up there. The published data back then wasn't as detailed as for later aircraft. As for a 415-C flying at 1260 lb. with the C-75 and original propeller, I have only unofficial published information. Louis Buffardi, in his book "Ercoupe," published a chart claiming service ceiling of 16,000 feet. Stan Tomas's book, "The Ercoupe," lists "Usable ceiling, 14,000 ft." You could use one of your solo flights to climb up and see what your climb rate is at various altitudes. As I recall, the definition of service ceiling is the altitude at which you have 100 fpm climb. If you post a message to the forum telling your Coupe's gross weight (1260 or 1320-wiith-STC), engine and propeller length and pitch, you might get a response from a member with more specific information. Bottom line, to find out the correct real numbers for the plane you're flying, you'll have to go out and do careful measurement test flights. Ed
